Salvation Army Kicks Off Red Kettle Christmas Campaign

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Salvation Army of Kent County is celebrating the start of its 2013 Red Kettle Campaign with two events on Friday, November 15.

The events are being held in an effort to raise public awareness and support for the charity’s goal of $1.75 million. That’s a $50,000 increase over last season.

The first event is the official kickoff of the Red Kettle Campaign at 10:00 a.m. with the annual first ring of the bell, and a live public concert of the song “Give Till It Helps” by Ralston Bowles and local folk music band Bennett. The morning event will be held at the Family Fare located at 2755 Lake Michigan Drive NW in Grand Rapids.

Hours later, the first-ever Red Kettle Campaign concert will be held at 7:00 p.m. at Baker House on East Paris Ave SE. It will feature performances by Bowles and Bennett, and the Salvation Army Brass Ensemble will lead the season’s first Christmas caroling event.

The concert is free of charge, but a ticket is required for admission. They can be downloaded here.

The song “Give Till It Helps” will be available for download with a monetary donation by clicking here.